After selecting a defenceman and a forward with their first two picks of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft, the Swift Current Broncos decided on a goalie with their third selection.

Using their 3rd round choice (57th overall), the Broncos picked Saskatoon Maniacs netminder Ethan Hein.

"I was really excited," Hein said.

"I don't think I stopped smiling for the rest of the day. All of my friends and I were watching the draft at school, and then we saw my name go up and it was a pretty exciting moment."

Being taken 57th overall, Hein was the highest goalie selected by the Swift Current Broncos since 2012, when they drafted Travis Child in the 2nd round (29th overall).

Hein is also the second Saskatoon Maniacs goalie to be selected by the Broncos in the last 15 years. Swift Current picked Travis Yonkman from the same program in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft.

The Maniacs netminder explained what it is he enjoys so much about the position.

"I think it's just the pressure," he said.

"If a teammate, for example, makes a bad pinch or something like that, knowing that you're there, I like being able to bale my team out."

On the ice and in the net, the Saskatoon native feels his style of play matches that of fellow Saskatchewan netminder.

"Kind of like Braden Holtby," Hein said.

"I like to play the puck, I'm pretty athletic and have good rebound control, so I would say I like to play like Braden Holtby."

Often times, the position of goaltender receives the most praise or criticism, warranted or not.

The position can be viewed through a magnifying glass and often requires the athlete to be strong mentally.

Hein feels he suits the role well.

"I think I do a really good job of just keeping neutral, like don't get down if you're losing of too high if you are winning," he said.

"I think I do a good job of keeping the mental aspect stable."

Looking back on his draft day last Thursday, as much of a thrill as it was to be selected by a WHL team, it was just as exciting for Hein to be selected by a team close to a home.

Just a mere 270 kilometers separates Swift Current from Saskatoon.

"I like it," he said.

"My parents and family are all really close so they can come out. It is a quick drive for me too, so it should be good."

The 14-year old netminder spent his 2016-17 season with the Maniacs in the Saskatchewan Bantam 'AA' Hockey League.

Hein posted a 14-2 record during the regular season, along with a 2.37 goals against average.

He then went 5-2 in the post-season with a goals against average of 2.43.

"I felt our (season) was really strong," Hein said.

"Our team played really well together. Everyone really contributed. I sometimes won a game, or sometimes our offence won a game. Everyone was just able to pull their weight, so it was really good."

Unfortunately for the 6'2", 179lbs goalie and the Maniacs, they would be knocked out of the playoffs in the North Division Final by the Sask Valley Vipers.

Hein says that just fuels his fire to get back out on the ice though.

"It is never a good feeling losing out," he said.

"I'm really ready for the season to get going already."

Following the Maniacs season wrapping up, the netminder had the chance to notice the difference a strong goalie can make in the WHL.

Seeing what Jordan Papirny was able to accomplish between the pipes for the Broncos in the second half of the season and playoffs, Hein says he is ready to do whatever it takes to try and reach similar levels of success.

"Putting in all of the hours in the gym and on the ice I think I could eventually get there," he said.

Obviously, only time will tell how successful the 2002-born goalie will be. For now though, his first goal of being drafted has been accomplished.

"Ever since I was about four or five years old I have always wanted to play in the Western Hockey League," Hein said.

"That is definitely the way I want to go."